Since 2014, conflict in Yemen has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths, displaced millions, destroyed the economy, and exacerbated systemic marginalization, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophes. Widespread human rights violations have inflicted immense suffering, deepened societal divisions, and perpetuated a culture of impunity.
Despite ongoing violence, Yemeni civil society has sought to address grievances, while a few government institutions have taken some steps, though inadequate, to provide victims with recognition and support. At both national and local levels, efforts are being made to uphold victims’ rights and ensure justice is not sidelined in political negotiations. Internationally, there is growing recognition that transitional justice processes must be tailored to Yemen’s realities and address past crimes as well as ongoing abuses.
Yet currently, transitional justice and reconciliation take up little space in the Yemeni political arena. More than a decade has passed since the 2013-2014 National Dialogue Conference, where political actors deliberated on the conflict’s causes and grievances. Since then, peace efforts have focused on ceasefire negotiations and power-sharing, while paying little attention to justice, accountability, and redress for victims. And looking ahead, it remains unclear what place transitional justice will have in a future Yemeni political process and peace agreement.
In this context, ICTJ is releasing a new report that explores pathways to a just and sustainable peace in Yemen. Based on over 50 interviews with political representatives, civil society actors, and government officials, "Opening Space for Transitional Justice in Yemen" represents one of the most thorough attempts in recent years to capture diverse Yemeni perspectives on transitional justice. It also draws from experiences in Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Libya, highlighting key lessons learned from these countries.
The report argues that sustainable peace in Yemen requires not only ending the war but also addressing longstanding political, economic, and social injustices that have shaped the country’s political dynamics. “Without genuine commitment from all parties to confront these grievances, Yemen will remain trapped in cycles of instability, where unresolved injustices continue to fuel divisions and future conflict,” says Marta Mendes, a coauthor of the report.
The report begins by examining victims’ experiences and expectations of justice, as well as the broader political context. As civilians continue to suffer widespread violations, multiple rounds of peace talks have repeatedly failed to bridge divisions among warring factions.
It then describes the main national-level transitional justice mechanisms in Yemen, including the National Commission for the Investigation of Alleged Human Rights Violations, the national judiciary, and the Consultation and Reconciliation Commission (CRC). At the local level, the report highlights mediation efforts, reconciliation initiatives, and tribal practices. It also presents the perspectives of representatives of different political forces on these mechanisms.
Despite the obstacles to a comprehensive national strategy for transitional justice, the report’s authors maintain that important steps should be taken now to prepare for future processes. Furthermore, victims and survivors have needs requiring immediate support. As one CRC member put it, “We don’t have to put everything on hold. There are things that can be done in the interim because we all agree on transitional justice as a principle.”
Taking into account the political and technical challenges, the report offers guidance on how to advance transitional justice in Yemen. This includes ensuring victims remain at the center of the process, removing systemic barriers for marginalized groups, supporting documentation efforts, and raising public awareness. The report also stresses strengthening interinstitutional cooperation, enhancing civil society participation, and integrating justice and reconciliation into peace negotiations.
“Making transitional justice part of Yemen’s political process will require embedding it within the country’s broader transition,” explains Nour El Bejjani, head of ICTJ’s Yemen program. “Meaningful and lasting peace demands addressing both the inter-party grievances of today and the deeper grievances stemming from Yemen’s past. Transitional justice has an instrumental role to play in this regard.”
In a volatile country whose future is uncertain, taking steps now to open space for transitional justice can help lay the foundation for peace rooted in dignity, accountability, and human rights. By doing so, Yemen can begin forging a path toward a sustainable peace and a more just and inclusive future.
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PHOTO: The sun shines into a courtyard in Shebam City, Hadramout Governorate, Yemen, in 2022. (UNDP Yemen)
